Cubs' Kyle Schwarber becoming all right in left

The first time Kyle Schwarber shed his catcher's gear in favor of an outfielder's glove for the Cubs, another player was generating attention for appearing at a different position.

"They worked me into a game when we were getting our butts kicked and David Ross pitched," Schwarber said of the July 26, 2015 contest during which the Phillies hammered the Cubs 11-5. "My first fly ball was from someone he pitched to."

That would be Cameron Rupp and he lofted the fourth pitch Ross — now a retired catcher — threw in the ninth inning to Schwarber, who caught it.

Schwarber has come a long way since that day against the Phillies. While pitchers still fear his slugging, runners now are beginning to recognize the catcher-turned-outfielder isn't one to be taken lightly when it comes to taking an extra base.

While still a work-in-progress, Schwarber is proving to the Cubs that he can be an everyday left-fielder in 2018 and beyond. During the regular season, Schwarber tied for 10th in the majors with seven outfield assists.

The 24-year-old has flashed his strong throwing arm and accuracy against the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, which the Cubs extended Wednesday night with a 3-2 victory that narrowed their deficit to 3-1 in the best-of-seven series that resumes Thursday night at Wrigley Field.

In Game 1, Schwarber swooped in to grab a Justin Turner single and fired a one-hop strike to nail Charlie Culberson at the plate. The call was over-turned because it was deemed catcher Willson Contreras impeded Culderson's path home. But that did not diminish the laser-like throw that came from Schwarber.

In Game 3, Schwarber nailed Yasiel Puig at second base as the Dodgers outfielder tried to stretch a single into a double.

"To get an out on a guy trying to take an extra base is a big deal on defense," Schwarber said. "The more accurate you are, the more time your guy has to put down the tag. If he has to go left or right a little bit that takes some time."

Schwarber's transition from catcher to outfielder hasn't been without its foibles.

In Game 3 of the NL Division Series against the Nationals, Schwarber flat-out dropped a ball in left and then kicked it for a double-error that led to a run.

"You've seen the good and the bad," manager Joe Maddon said. "What you're seeing is he's really coming along well. (Coaches) Davey Martinez and Brandon Hyde spend a lot of time with him (so) the physical side of his work keeps getting better, i.e., the throwing.

"The stuff you see that you don't like maybe is very correctable. And when you have a guy who works like he does, you have to believe it's going to happen."

Though a bit reluctantly, Schwarber has accepted his dream of being the Cubs' regular catcher is likely over. With Contreras developing into a star behind the plate, that position is closed.

"My role right now is playing left field," Schwarber said. "I'm not dumb. We have a really good catcher so pretty much I want to work on left field. If they want me to catch, I'm willing to do that, too, trust me."